By Veronicah Stellah
Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition party leader Raila Odinga has apologized for the chaos that erupted during an Azimio meeting in Nairobi.
In a statement, Raila expressed regret over the unfortunate events and extended his unreserved apologies to journalists and leaders who were caught up in the melee. He assured the public that the coalition will review the incident and address the security lapses that led to the disruption.
The incident occurred on Wednesday when rowdy youths disrupted a press conference called by the Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya coalition. The chaos forced Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka to cut short the briefing. During the commotion, journalists invited to cover the coalition’s announcement on its next course of action were attacked. This followed confusion that has threatened to derail the proposed national dialogue.
Among those roughed up was Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) reporter Abdiaziz Hashim. The attack on media personnel was widely condemned by media stakeholders, including the Political Journalist Association of Kenya (PJAK).
Simultaneously, Raila Odinga, who is also the leader of the ODM party, dismissed allegations that he is collaborating with the government. He clarified that his support is solely for the proposed multi-sectoral engagement with the president to resolve the national crisis.
“ODM never said that it was going into bed with Ruto… we never said it. It is a creation of the media. What we are calling for is a National Convention where all Kenyans will be brought on board to air their views. It is a fact everyone is annoyed with KK,” Raila stated.
President William Ruto had announced a six-day multi-sectoral convention, which was scheduled to begin on Monday but did not commence as planned. The forum was intended to bring together 150 members, including 50 youth representatives and 100 individuals from religious institutions, civil society, professional organizations, political parties, and other stakeholders.
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